Proposed NJ pot center before zoning board

The zoning board in Maple Shade could become the first in New Jersey to grant local approval for a medical marijuana alternative treatment center.

Compassionate Science Alternative Treatment Center hopes to open to patients early next year in a vacant store on Route 73. But first it needs a zoning variance.

A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.

None of the five other nonprofit groups with licenses to open medical marijuana facilities in the state has announced that it has zoning approval. At least two of the others are still deciding on locations.

New Jersey officials say they'll publish final regulations for the fledgling industry late this year, with the hope that centers can open early in 2012.